Medications For Anxiety Disorders
There are a variety of medicines that can be used to treat anxiety disorders. Examples include benzodiazepines beta blockers, and antidepressants. Talk to your doctor about what medications are right for you.
SSRIs and SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin (a neurotransmitter and hormone) and boost levels of it in the brain, which can help reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants
If your anxiety causes serious issues in your daily life, a medical doctor who is specialized in mental health (psychiatrist) may recommend medication. Antidepressants can be used to treat anxiety disorders. Talk to your psychiatrist about the advantages, risks and possible side effects of each type of drug.
The most popular choice for treating anxiety is selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that include paroxetine, fluoxetine, citalopram and escitalopram, as well as sertraline. They have a favorable benefit/risk ratio with few adverse effects. Buspirone is another antidepressant that can also be effective. SSRIs can have anxiolytic effects within two to four weeks, however adverse effects are generally less than with other antidepressants.
Tricyclic antidepressants are not as frequently prescribed nowadays, since they are more prone to dangerous adverse effects. However, certain drugs within this class, such as amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor) and Clomipramine (Cadorax), can be effective in treating anxiety. MAOIs (reversible inhibitors monoamine oxidase A) are rarely prescribed due to their severe negative side effects. However, they can aid in the treatment of certain forms of anxiety. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine, (Anxivan).
Antidepressants are not the only drugs that can help with anxiety. Other medications that can be used to treat anxiety include beta-blockers and benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines work quickly and provide immediate relief, but they come with serious risks and should only be used for brief periods of time.
Psychotherapy is more effective at treating anxiety disorders than medications. Your psychiatrist or psychologist will help you learn how to reduce your symptoms and discover ways to cope. You can control your anxiety by keeping a journal, learning relaxation techniques and breathing exercises, making dietary changes, exercising more and joining an anxiety support group and applying other strategies.
You can improve your health by adhering to the treatment program and taking regular therapy. Even if you are having an awful day, try not to give your hope. If you are taking medication, ensure your appointments with your doctor and do not stop taking your medication.
Beta-blockers
For those who experience physical manifestations of anxiety, such as a pounding heart, sweaty palms, or tight chest--beta blockers may be a possibility. While these medications are typically prescribed for heart problems but they have also been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety-related symptoms. They function by blocking receptors that adrenaline (the stress hormone) is able to bind to in the body, which prevents it from doing its job of increasing heart rate and blood pressure. In contrast to antidepressants beta blockers don't affect serotonin levels, but instead slow the heart rate, which can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Propranolol, Atenolol, and Inderal are a few examples. Hydroxyzine, also known as Atarax or Vistaril, is an alternative to treat phobias and anxiety disorders. These drugs are typically used as needed and are not prescribed for long-term use.
Anyone who is prescribed these medication should discuss any adverse effects with their doctor. They should also talk to their physician prior to taking these drugs if they're pregnant or breastfeeding. Some beta-blockers may lower blood pressure to dangerously low levels, and some may worsen the symptoms of Raynaud's Syndrome in those suffering from the condition.
A psychiatrist, also known as a medical doctor who is specialized in mental health, is skilled in assessing and treating anxiety. They are able to diagnose anxiety disorders, and prescribe medication along with other treatments. A psychiatrist is helpful for people with severe anxiety who are having difficulty managing without medication, and who are often reluctant to seek treatment. A psychiatrist will look at the medical history of a patient, preferences and other aspects to determine the most effective medication. They will also make sure to keep track of a patient's health over time, as well as any potential side effects and alter dosages to suit. depression and anxiety disorder will also discuss any other concerns the patient may have such as sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. While one can take medication for anxiety on their own, it is best to combine them with psychotherapy or other treatments. Be aware that medications only dull or lessens anxiety, and could make patients dependent on it.
Psychotherapy
Treatment for anxiety disorders is possible using a variety of psychotherapy techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an essential component of any treatment plan to treat anxiety disorders. Other forms of therapy include psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, and exposure therapy. Each of these approaches has been proven to be efficient in helping people learn to manage their anxieties.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and other specialists at NYU Langone Psychiatry Associates & Mood Disorders Consultation Service have received special training in treating anxiety disorders. They might suggest a combination of psychotherapy and medication to help you overcome your fears.
Anxiety can be debilitating, causing it difficult to carry out daily tasks. It can also cause a number of physical problems, such as heart palpitations, stomach upset, insomnia, and trouble in concentrating. Your therapist will not just treat the symptoms, but will also show you how to deal with the difficulties.
Antidepressants are the initial treatment for anxiety disorders. These are medications from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine inhibition (SNRI) that have less adverse effects than older antidepressants like tricyclics, are generally preferred. These medications, which can take between four and six weeks to reach full effectiveness, are frequently used to treat depression that is underlying as well.
Other medications that are often prescribed for anxiety include sedatives, such as lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium), which promote muscle relaxation. Benzodiazepines are generally used to control panic attacks and other symptoms, like sweating, trembling, nausea, and breathing difficulty. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe an antihistamine like hydroxyzine (Atarax or Vistaril) to treat allergies that may cause anxiety symptoms.
Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is an important component of any treatment plan for anxiety. Your therapist can teach you to recognize the negative distortions and irrational thoughts in your thoughts about anxiety and replace them with real, calming statements. Your therapist can also help you to face the situations that trigger your anxiety, instead of avoiding them to help you gain confidence in your ability to handle these challenges.
Other medication
Anxiety is a very common condition that has a variety of options for treatment. Certain people find that medication can reduce anxiety symptoms. This is in addition to other strategies and treatments. Some types of medications used to treat anxiety include antidepressants, beta blockers, benzodiazepines and buspirone.
Antidepressants can be prescribed as the first line treatment for anxiety disorders that are generalized. Medications in the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes are typically prescribed, including Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (citalopram), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Effexor XR (venlafaxine). These drugs boost levels of certain chemicals in your brain which can improve your mood and reduce anxiety.
Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam are used for short-term relief from extreme anxiety or panic attacks. They work in a matter of minutes to reduce a person's response to stress by enhancing the calming effects of certain chemicals in the nervous system and the brain. They can also decrease a rapid heart rate, sweating, and shaking. Benzodiazepines can be addictive, and should not be used for more than 4 weeks at one time.
Beta blockers, like propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin) are beneficial for those suffering from a phobia or a panic disorder by helping them control their heart rate. They also block the effects of norepinephrine, a hormone that is involved in the fight-or-flight reaction. These medications can be used on a regular basis to reduce anxiety.
Buspirone is a natural substance in the body that is closely related to GABA, helps relax the nervous system. It is often prescribed for anxiety or sensitivity to noise and light. It is commonly used to treat sleep issues.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy is another effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is thought to be the most effective psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. This type of therapy helps to change your habits of thinking to help overcome anxiety. It is a form of therapy that includes exposure where you gradually expose yourself to situations or objects that trigger anxiety in order to build confidence.